LDS Church Abuse - Civil Claims

Civil Justice for Survivors of LDS Church Abuse

If you experienced sexual abuse by a bishop, leader, or other church member within an LDS Church setting, you may have the right to pursue a confidential civil lawsuit - separate from any criminal proceedings.

You are not alone. Investigators and attorneys general in multiple states have investigated abuse within LDS Church settings and the policies that may have hindered reporting. Survivors who come forward can hold institutions - not just individuals - accountable.

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A note to survivors: What happened to you was not your fault. Speaking about abuse that occurred in a sacred community setting takes extraordinary courage. This page is designed to provide clear, factual information about your legal options. A confidential case review means no obligation, no judgment, and complete privacy.

Understanding Civil Claims Against the LDS Church

Across the United States, survivors of sexual abuse committed within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) have filed civil lawsuits seeking accountability - not only from individual perpetrators, but from the institution itself.

Civil lawsuits are separate from the criminal justice system. They do not require a criminal conviction or a prior police report. The goal of a civil claim is to obtain financial compensation for the harm suffered, as well as to create a record of accountability.

Investigations by attorneys general in Arizona and other states, along with extensive investigative journalism, have raised serious questions about whether church policies - particularly the use of a confidential clergy hotline - may have prioritized institutional interests over the safety of survivors and timely reporting of abuse to authorities.

Lawsuits allege institutional negligence: specifically, that the LDS Church failed to adequately screen, supervise, and remove leaders with known abuse histories, and that church policies created barriers to reporting that allowed perpetrators to continue having access to potential victims.

In May 2025, the LDS Church settled more than 100 California lawsuits (terms confidential) - the first large coordinated settlement of LDS abuse claims. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) declined to consolidate LDS-abuse cases into a federal MDL, which means cases are proceeding individually and state-by-state rather than through a single coordinated proceeding. In July 2025, an Arizona court ruling allowed a key case to proceed past clergy-penitent privilege defenses. Additional states' revival windows (such as California's AB 218) remain central to many of the claims.

100+

California lawsuits settled by LDS Church in May 2025 (terms confidential)

California state courts, May 2025

2025

Arizona ruling (July 2025) allowed a key case past clergy-penitent privilege defenses

Arizona state court, 2025

State-by-State

JPML declined to consolidate into an MDL; cases proceed in individual state and federal courts

JPML decision, 2025

⚠️ Lookback Windows & Extended SOLs: Many states have enacted special lookback window laws or extended statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse. Some time-limited windows have already closed; others remain open. The statute of limitations varies by state - consult an attorney immediately to confirm your specific deadline.

Who May Be Eligible to File a Civil Claim

A civil lawsuit can name the LDS Church - not just the individual who committed the abuse - as a defendant. Legal theories in these cases typically include:

✓ Potential Eligibility

Experienced sexual abuse by a bishop, branch president, or other LDS leader
Experienced sexual abuse by an adult church member in a church setting or through a church relationship
Abuse occurred during church activities, programs, or settings
Abuse was reported to church leadership but not reported to authorities
Abuse occurred when you were a minor (under 18)
Abuse occurred when you were an adult in a clergy relationship
You are currently a member or a former member of the LDS Church
Within the statute of limitations for your state (extended SOL or lookback window may apply)

Institutional Liability: Beyond the Individual Abuser

A civil lawsuit can name the LDS Church - not just the individual who committed the abuse - as a defendant. Legal theories in these cases typically include: Negligent supervision - failing to adequately supervise clergy with known risk factors; Negligent hiring or retention - continuing to place a leader in access to potential victims; Failure to warn - not alerting communities about a known perpetrator; Negligent policies - implementing policies (such as confidential helpline protocols) that discouraged timely reporting to law enforcement.

Civil vs. Criminal: What's the Difference?

A civil lawsuit seeks financial compensation for the harm done to you - it is not about sending someone to prison. The standard of proof is lower ("preponderance of the evidence" vs. "beyond a reasonable doubt"). You do not need a criminal case, a conviction, or even a police report to pursue a civil claim.

Settings Where Abuse Has Occurred

Ward and branch meetings, church buildings; Youth programs (Young Men, Young Women, Primary); Scout programs historically affiliated with the church; Bishop's one-on-one interviews with youth and adults; Seminary and Institute classes; Mission settings (missions, mission homes); Welfare and assistance programs; Home visits and pastoral care settings; Church camps and activities.

Recent Settlements and Litigation Status (2025)

In May 2025, the LDS Church settled more than 100 California lawsuits with terms kept confidential - the first large coordinated settlement of LDS abuse claims. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) declined to consolidate LDS-abuse cases into a federal MDL, which means cases are proceeding individually and state-by-state rather than through a single coordinated proceeding. In July 2025, an Arizona trial court allowed a key abuse case to proceed past the LDS Church's clergy-penitent privilege defense - a ruling that may affect how similar defenses are treated elsewhere. Additional state revival windows (notably California's AB 218) remain central to pending claims.

Why Choose UnitedClaimsBureau?

We understand that deciding to pursue a civil claim for abuse within a faith community is an intensely personal decision. UCB connects survivors with compassionate, experienced attorneys at no upfront cost.

Complete Confidentiality

Your information is handled with absolute privacy. We never share or sell your personal information, and attorneys can advise on pseudonymous filing options.

Institutional Accountability

Network attorneys have experience pursuing institutional defendants - not just individuals - in religious abuse cases.

Contingency Representation

Attorney fees are contingency-based - only paid if your case results in a recovery.*

Survivor-Centered Support

Dedicated case specialists understand the courage it takes to come forward and treat every survivor with dignity and respect throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of abuse are covered in LDS Church civil lawsuits?

Civil lawsuits related to LDS Church abuse primarily involve sexual abuse committed by bishops, branch presidents, other clergy, youth leaders, or other members in positions of trust within church settings. Claims may also involve physical and emotional abuse. The civil legal system provides a separate avenue for survivors to seek accountability and compensation, independent of any criminal proceedings.

What is the LDS 'Bishops' Helpline' and why is it significant?

Bishops in the LDS Church have historically been instructed to call a confidential hotline operated by the church's legal team when learning of sexual abuse disclosures. Lawsuits and investigative reporting allege that this hotline has at times been used to manage abuse reports in ways that prioritized the church's legal exposure over the safety of survivors and reporting of abuse to authorities.

What does the Arizona Attorney General investigation show?

The Arizona Attorney General's office investigated and in 2023 entered into an agreement with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints relating to mandatory reporting of child abuse. The investigation arose from concerns about whether church policies on the Bishops' Helpline had contributed to delayed reporting of child sexual abuse to law enforcement.

Can I file a civil lawsuit even if the abuse was never reported criminally?

Yes. A civil lawsuit for sexual abuse is entirely separate from the criminal justice system. You do not need to have filed a police report, and you do not need a criminal conviction of your abuser to pursue a civil claim. The burden of proof in civil cases is also lower than in criminal cases.

Can the Church itself - not just the individual abuser - be held liable?

Potentially, yes. Civil lawsuits may name the LDS Church as an institutional defendant on theories including negligent supervision, negligent retention, and failure to protect. Whether these claims succeed depends on the specific facts of each case.

What if the abuse happened a long time ago - can I still file?

Statutes of limitations for sexual abuse claims vary significantly by state, and many states have enacted extended deadlines or lookback window laws specifically for childhood sexual abuse survivors. The statute of limitations for your specific claim varies by state - consult an attorney to confirm your filing deadline. Do not assume your time has run without first speaking with an attorney.

Do I need to still be a member of the LDS Church to file a claim?

No. Your current religious affiliation or membership status has no bearing on your right to pursue a civil claim for abuse you suffered within an LDS Church setting.

Will filing a lawsuit make my identity public?

In many sexual abuse civil cases, plaintiffs may file under pseudonyms (such as "Jane Doe" or "John Doe") to protect their privacy. An experienced attorney can advise on the privacy protections available in your jurisdiction and help you understand your options before you decide to file.

What does a civil lawsuit process look like for survivors?

After a case review and retention of an attorney, a civil lawsuit typically involves: filing a complaint, discovery (exchange of documents and evidence), potential depositions, and negotiations toward settlement. Many cases resolve before trial. Your attorney will guide you through each step and communicate on your behalf.

How much does it cost to pursue an LDS Church abuse claim?

UnitedClaimsBureau connects survivors with attorneys who work on a contingency fee basis - meaning no upfront costs. Attorney fees are only paid if your case results in a recovery.*

You Deserve to Be Heard

Coming forward is one of the most courageous things a survivor can do. A confidential case review can help you understand your rights - with no pressure and no obligation. Your story matters, and institutions must be held accountable.

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